Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 of 17th December 2025. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.
1) According to the RBI, what was the Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPA)percentage for education loans in Public Sector Banks in FY 2024–25?
(a) 7%
(b) 5%
(c) 4%
(d) 2%
(e) 1%
2) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved three loans totaling USD 448 million for India. How much was approved for Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 as the second tranche?
(a) USD 180 million
(b) USD 240 million
(c) USD 300 million
(d) USD 448 million
(e) USD 780 million
3) In 2025, Infibeam Avenues Limited is being rebranded to which name following board approval?
(a) AI Avenues Limited
(b) AvenuesAI Limited
(c) Infibeam AI Limited
(d) Digital Avenues AI
(e) Avenues Infotech AI
4) How many Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) have been granted scheduled status by the RBI in the current financial year, including the recently added Model Co-operative Bank?
(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 4
(d) 5
(e) 6
5) Under which statutory powers did Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)issue the Master Circular on investment guidelines for government-sector pension schemes?
(a) Section 42 of RBI Act, 1934
(b) Section 30 of the Companies Act, 2013
(c) Section 11 of SEBI Act, 1992
(d) Section 16 of the Insurance Act, 1938
(e) Section 14(2)(b) read with Section 23 of PFRDA Act, 2013
6) What is the proposed FDI limit in insurance as per the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025?
(a) 49%
(b) 74%
(c) 100%
(d) 120%
(e) No FDI limit
7) According to the proposed Insurance Bill, what will be the retirement age for the IRDAI Chairperson and whole-time members?
(a) 65 years
(b) 62 years
(c) 60 years
(d) 68 years
(e) 70 years
8) According to the RBI report, Andhra Pradesh ranked first in which agricultural and production categories?
(a) Cereal production and marine exports
(b) Fruit production and fish production
(c) Vegetable production and shrimp farming
(d) Spice production and inland fishing
(e) Poultry production and aquaculture
9) Where was the 7th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held?
(a) New York, USA
(b) Geneva, Switzerland
(c) Nairobi, Kenya
(d) Bonn, Germany
(e) Paris, France
10) According to the UNEP-7 released the “Global Environment Outlook – Seventh Edition (GEO-7): A Future We Choose”. The GEO-7 report highlighted that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires annual investments of approximately how much until 2050?
(a) USD 2 trillion
(b) USD 5 trillion
(c) USD 6 trillion
(d) USD 8 trillion
(e) USD 15 trillion
11) In news, Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, proposed to be developed as a cheetah sanctuary, is located in which district of Madhya Pradesh?
(a) Sagar
(b) Jabalpur
(c) Bhopal
(d) Ujjain
(e) Indore
12) What is the name of the first dedicated domestic clinical trial for an advanced brain stent conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi?
(a) BRAINSAVE Trial
(b) INDOSTENT Trial
(c) STROKEFREE Trial
(d) NEUROFLOW Trial
(e) GRASSROOT Trial
13) What is the name of the AI-based crime-solving platform being rolled out across all 1,100 police stations in Maharashtra?
(a) CyberCop AI
(b) MARVEL AI
(c) MahaCrimeOS AI
(d) CrimeNet AI
(e) PoliceVision AI
14) Which existing regulatory bodies will be replaced by the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) under the new higher education Bill?
(a) National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
(b) University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)
(c) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
(d) Bar Council of India and Medical Council of India
(e) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
15) Who was sworn in as the new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) by President Droupadi Murmu?
(a) Raj Kumar Goyal
(b) Heeralal Samariya
(c) Narendra Kumar
(d) Amit Shah
(e) Rahul Gandhi
16) Who was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of the Czech Republic by President Petr Pavel?
(a) Petr Fiala
(b) Václav Klaus
(c) Milos Zeman
(d) Andrej Babiš
(e) Bohuslav Sobotka
17) Who has been appointed as the 11th Director General of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER)?
(a) Dr. Poonam Gupta
(b) Suresh Goyal
(c) Dr. Shekhar Shah
(d) Nandan Nilekani
(e) C. Rangarajan
18) Who is the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India who felicitated the awardees at the D V Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards?
(a) Prof. C.N.R. Rao
(b) Dr. V.K. Saraswat
(c) Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood
(d) Prof. Ashutosh Sharma
(e) Dr. K. Sivan
19) Recently, MRF Tyres won which title for the third time in 2025?
(a) FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) Teams Title
(b) FIA Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship
(c) FIA World Endurance Championship
(d) World Rally Championship (WRC) Manufacturers’ Title
(e) FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship
20) Who did John Cena face in his final match before retiring from in-ring competition in WWE?
(a) Roman Reigns
(b) The Rock
(c) Gunther
(d) Cody Rhodes
(e) CM Punk
21) What is the full name of the SPARSH portal for defence pension administration?
(a) Secure Pension and Armed Forces Retirement System Hub
(b) System for Pension Administration – Raksha
(c) Service Pension and Armed Forces Retirement and Security Hub
(d) Simplified Pension Administration and Retirement System for Heroes
(e) Soldiers Pension and Retirement Security Hub
22) In 2025, Veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who recently passed away, hailed from which district of Karnataka?
(a) Mysuru
(b) Bengaluru Urban
(c) Kalaburagi
(d) Belagavi
(e) Davanagere
23) According to Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Defence Accounts Department achieved what satisfaction score ranking among Ministries/Departments?
(a) 1st
(b) 3rd
(c) 7th
(d) 5th
(e) 10th
24) According to the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) structure, which of the following statements is correct?
(a) The Viksit Bharat Manak Parishad is tasked with setting academic and curricular standards.
(b) The Viksit Bharat Gunvatta Parishad handles regulatory oversight and governance compliance.
(c) The Viksit Bharat Viniyaman Parishad is responsible for academic standard-setting.
(d) The VBSA will have 15 members as the highest authority.
(e) The three specialised councils will each have up to 20 members.
25) What is the full form of MARVEL, Maharashtra’s dedicated AI law enforcement agency?
(a) Maharashtra Artificial Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law
(b) Maharashtra Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement
(c) Maharashtra AI and Robotics for Vigilance and Enforcement of Law
(d) Maharashtra Automated Research and Vigilance for Legal Enforcement
(e) Maharashtra Advanced Research and Vision for Enforcement of Law
Answers :
1) Answer: D
Short Explanation:
The Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPA) of education loans in Public Sector Banks (PSBs) declined sharply from 7% in FY 2020–21 to 2% in FY 2024–25, indicating a significant improvement in asset quality, as informed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The RBI does not maintain state-wise data on education loan NPAs, as clarified in its disclosures.
Detailed Explanation:
The Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPA) of education loans in Public Sector Banks (PSBs) declined sharply from 7% in FY 2020–21 to 2% in FY 2024–25, indicating a significant improvement in asset quality, as informed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The RBI does not maintain state-wise data on education loan NPAs, as clarified in its disclosures.
Credit-related decisions of Regulated Entities (REs) are largely deregulated and governed by Board-approved loan policies, framed within the ambit of regulatory, statutory requirements, and loan agreement terms.
The RBI has directed banks to follow Board-approved loan policies, with credit decisions taken in line with guiding regulatory principles.
2) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved three loans worth USD 448 million to support urban infrastructure, public healthcare, and women-focused financial inclusion in India.
ADB sanctioned USD 240 million as a second tranche under a USD 780 million facility approved in 2022 for Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 in Tamil Nadu.
Detailed Explanation:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved three loans worth USD 448 million to support urban infrastructure, public healthcare, and women-focused financial inclusion in India.
ADB sanctioned USD 240 million as a second tranche under a USD 780 million facility approved in 2022 for Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 in Tamil Nadu.
Chennai Metro Phase 2 spans a total network of 118.9 km across three corridors.
The Purple Line (Line-3) covers 45.8 km from Madhavaram to SIPCOT-2, Siruseri.
The Orange Line (Line-4) runs 26.1 km between Lighthouse and Poonamallee Bus Depot.
The Red Line (Line-5) extends 47 km from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur.
ADB funding supports Line-3 elevated civil works, Line-4 underground civil works, and Line-5 system components.
Line-5 includes power supply, traction, and telecommunications systems.
The project provides 18 new universally accessible and disaster-resilient stations with upgraded multimodal interchanges.
3) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
Infibeam Avenues Limited will be rebranded as AvenuesAI Limited following in-principle approval by its Board of Directors.
The company is headquartered in GIFT City, Gujarat, and is transitioning from a payments and e-commerce infrastructure firm to a full-stack, AI-led digital payment technology company.
Detailed Explanation:
Infibeam Avenues Limited will be rebranded as AvenuesAI Limited following in-principle approval by its Board of Directors.
The company is headquartered in GIFT City, Gujarat, and is transitioning from a payments and e-commerce infrastructure firm to a full-stack, AI-led digital payment technology company.
The rebranding aims to position AvenuesAI as a globally recognised AI-driven digital payments company, with operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Australia, the US, and Oman.
Chairman and Managing Director, InfibeamAvenues : Vishal Mehta
4) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has included Mumbai-based Model Co-operative Bank Limited. in the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, granting it “Scheduled Bank” status.
The RBI action was taken under Section 42(6)(a) and Section 42(6)(c) of the RBI Act, 1934.
With this recognition, Model Co-operative Bank becomes the fourth Urban Co-operative Bank (UCB) to receive scheduled status in the current financial year.
Detailed Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has included Mumbai-based Model Co-operative Bank Limited. in the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, granting it “Scheduled Bank” status.
The RBI action was taken under Section 42(6)(a) and Section 42(6)(c) of the RBI Act, 1934.
With this recognition, Model Co-operative Bank becomes the fourth Urban Co-operative Bank (UCB) to receive scheduled status in the current financial year.
Earlier, the RBI accorded scheduled status to VishweshwaraSahakari Bank (Pune), Deogiri Nagari Sahakari Bank (Aurangabad), and Ahmednagar Merchants Co-operative Bank (Ahmednagar).
5) Answer: E
Short Explanation:
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) released the Master Circular on Investment Guidelines for government-sector pension schemes, including Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), NPS for Central/State Government subscribers, Corporate Government (CG) NPS, NPS Lite, Atal Pension Yojana (APY), and APY Fund Scheme.
The Master Circular is issued under powers of Section 14(2)(b) read with Section 23 of PFRDA Act, 2013, and Regulation 14(1) of PFRDA (Pension Fund) Regulations, 2015.
Detailed Explanation:
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) released the Master Circular on Investment Guidelines for government-sector pension schemes, including Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), NPS for Central/State Government subscribers, Corporate Government (CG) NPS, NPS Lite, Atal Pension Yojana (APY), and APY Fund Scheme.
The Master Circular is issued under powers of Section 14(2)(b) read with Section 23 of PFRDA Act, 2013, and Regulation 14(1) of PFRDA (Pension Fund) Regulations, 2015.
The circular aims to streamline compliance, enhance transparency, and strengthen risk management across government-sector pension fund investments, replacing the guidelines issued in March 2025.
6) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
The Union Cabinet has approved the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, paving the way for its introduction in Parliament during the Winter Session.
The Bill allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in insurance, up from 74%, to attract long-term capital, boost competition, and support ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.
Detailed Explanation:
The Union Cabinet has approved the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, paving the way for its introduction in Parliament during the Winter Session.
The Bill proposes reforms to India’s insurance framework by amending the Insurance Act, 1938, LIC Act, 1956, and IRDAI Act, 1999, aiming at modernisation, expanded insurance coverage, and stronger regulatory oversight.
The Bill allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in insurance, up from 74%, to attract long-term capital, boost competition, and support ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.
7) Answer: A
The Chairperson and whole-time members of IRDAI will have a fixed term of five years or can serve until 65 years of age, raising the retirement age from 62 to 65 years.
Minimum paid-up capital for insurers remains ₹100 crore and for reinsurers₹200 crore, maintaining high entry barriers for new players.
8) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
According to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a top-performing state across agriculture, fisheries, and socio-economic indicators.
During FY 2024–25, the state ranked first in fruit production with over 19 million tonnes.
Andhra Pradesh also led in fish production, recording nearly 5.1 million tonnes.
Detailed Explanation:
According to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a top-performing state across agriculture, fisheries, and socio-economic indicators.
During FY 2024–25, the state ranked first in fruit production with over 19 million tonnes.
Andhra Pradesh also led in fish production, recording nearly 5.1 million tonnes.
The state recorded steady economic growth, with GSDP estimated at nearly ₹16 lakh crore at current prices in 2024–25.
The per capita GSDP of the state stood at over ₹2.5 lakh, reflecting rising income levels.
9) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
The 7th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) was held from 08–12 December 2025 at the UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
Detailed Explanation:
The 7th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) was held from 08–12 December 2025 at the UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
UNEA is the world’s highest decision-making body on environmental matters, under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The theme of UNEA-7 was “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet”.
UNEA-7 was chaired by Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Amri, President of the Environment Authority of Oman.
10) Answer: D
Short Explanation:
The report estimated global macroeconomic benefits of USD 20 trillion annually by 2070, rising to USD 100 trillion per year thereafter, through systemic transformations.
Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires annual investments of about USD 8 trillion until 2050, as per GEO-7.
Detailed Explanation:
UNEP released the “Global Environment Outlook – Seventh Edition (GEO-7): A Future We Choose” during UNEA-7.
GEO-7, compiled by 287 scientists from 82 countries, highlighted severe impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, desertification, and pollution.
The report estimated global macroeconomic benefits of USD 20 trillion annually by 2070, rising to USD 100 trillion per year thereafter, through systemic transformations.
Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires annual investments of about USD 8 trillion until 2050, as per GEO-7.
11) Answer: A
Short Explanation:
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve will be developed into a cheetah sanctuary before the next monsoon session.
Located at Nauradehi in Sagar district, it will become the third cheetah habitat in Madhya Pradesh, after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
Detailed Explanation:
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve will be developed into a cheetah sanctuary before the next monsoon session.
Located at Nauradehi in Sagar district, it will become the third cheetah habitat in Madhya Pradesh, after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
India successfully reintroduced cheetahs after their extinction in the 1950s, becoming the only country globally to do so.
First cheetah habitat: Kuno National Park, Sheopur (September 2022) – currently 28 cheetahs.
Second cheetah habitat: Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, Mandsaur (April 2025) – currently 2 cheetahs.
Next phase: Eight cheetahs expected from Botswana in January 2026.
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve has been approved by the Madhya Pradesh State Cabinet for cheetah habitat development.
12) Answer: E
Short Explanation:
India created medical history with its first-ever dedicated domestic clinical trial of an advanced brain stent for severe stroke treatment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
The trial, named GRASSROOT Trial, evaluated an indigenously developed Supernova stent, manufactured by Gravity Medical Technology.
Detailed Explanation:
India created medical history with its first-ever dedicated domestic clinical trial of an advanced brain stent for severe stroke treatment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
The trial, named GRASSROOT Trial, evaluated an indigenously developed Supernova stent, manufactured by Gravity Medical Technology.
The achievement is significant as around 1.7 million people in India suffer strokes every year, making affordable and effective interventions critical.
The GRASSROOT Trial was India’s first multi-centre clinical trial focused exclusively on a stroke intervention device.
It was led by AIIMS Delhi and conducted across 8 medical centres nationwide.
The objective was to assess the safety and efficacy of the Supernova stent in treating large vessel occlusion strokes.
The trial reported excellent safety and clinical outcomes, with results published in the Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery (BMJ Group)
13) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced the statewide rollout of MahaCrimeOS AI for the Maharashtra Police marking a historic step in technology-driven law enforcement.
Detailed Explanation:
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced the statewide rollout of MahaCrimeOS AI for the Maharashtra Police marking a historic step in technology-driven law enforcement.
The AI-based crime-solving platform will be implemented across all 1,100 police stations in Maharashtra, making it one of the largest AI deployments in policing in India.
The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Microsoft, the Government of Maharashtra, and the state’s dedicated AI law enforcement agency MARVEL (Maharashtra Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement).
MARVEL, established in 2024, is a government-owned AI initiative aimed at modernising policing by improving crime prediction, intelligence gathering, and investigation methods. Maharashtra became the first Indian state to set up an independent AI body exclusively for law enforcement.
MahaCrimeOS AI builds upon a pilot project launched in April 2025 in Nagpur Rural, where it operated in 23–25 police stations, including cybercrime units.
14) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025 has been introduced by the Union Government and listed in the Winter Session of Parliament to reform India’s higher education regulatory framework in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Existing regulators such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) currently regulate the sector, often leading to fragmented control, multiple approvals, and excessive compliance burden.
Detailed Explanation:
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025 has been introduced by the Union Government and listed in the Winter Session of Parliament to reform India’s higher education regulatory framework in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
India’s higher education system faces challenges such as multiple regulators, overlapping mandates, inconsistent standards, and bureaucratic delays, which the Bill seeks to address through a single integrated framework.
Existing regulators such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) currently regulate the sector, often leading to fragmented control, multiple approvals, and excessive compliance burden.
The Bill aims to promote excellence in teaching and learning, research and innovation, and academic governance, reflecting the NEP 2020 principle of a “light but tight” regulatory system.
At the apex of the new structure will be the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA), a 12-member umbrella commission serving as the highest authority for higher education regulation.
15) Answer: A
Short Explanation:
Raj Kumar Goyal, a 1990-batch IAS officer (AGMUT cadre), was sworn in as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Detailed Explanation:
Raj Kumar Goyal, a 1990-batch IAS officer (AGMUT cadre), was sworn in as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
His appointment was recommended by a three-member selection panel headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
The post of CIC had been vacant since 13 September 2025, following the completion of Heeralal Samariya’s tenure.
16) Answer: D
Andrej Babiš, a Slovak-born billionaire businessman and leader of the populist ANO (Action of Dissatisfied Citizens) party, was sworn in as the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic by President Petr Pavel at Prague Castle, Prague.
He succeeded Petr Fiala, who served as Prime Minister from 2021 to 2025.
17) Answer: B
The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) has appointed Suresh Goyal as its 11th Director General, effective January 5, 2026.
Suresh Goyal will succeed Dr. Poonam Gupta, who served as Director General of NCAER from July 2021 to April 2025.
18) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
India’s first DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards were presented at the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi, recognising technological innovations supporting clean energy transition, efficiency, and indigenous research.
Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, felicitated the awardees.
Detailed Explanation:
India’s first DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards were presented at the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi, recognising technological innovations supporting clean energy transition, efficiency, and indigenous research.
The awards were organised by the D V Kapur Foundation, which focuses on promoting research, development, and indigenous technological solutions in the energy sector.
The initiative aims to encourage innovators, especially young researchers, to address India’s evolving energy challenges and future sustainability needs.
Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, felicitated the awardees.
Category 1 – Young Innovators (under 38 years)
Winner:Dr Achu Chandran, Principal Scientist, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST)
Innovation:Nano Electricity Generator
Prize:Citation, trophy, and ₹1 lakh
Category 2 – Individuals/Organizations for Technological Innovation
Winner:NTPC’s Research and Development wing – NETRA
Innovation:Green Use of Coal Technologies
Prize:Citation, trophy, and ₹10 lakh
Recipient:Shri Shaswattam, Executive Director (NETRA), along with his team
19) Answer: A
Short Explanation:
MRF Tyres clinched the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) Teams Title, marking a major boost to India’s presence in global motorsport technology.
The award was presented at the FIA Awards Gala, the annual season-closing ceremony organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
Detailed Explanation:
MRF Tyres clinched the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) Teams Title, marking a major boost to India’s presence in global motorsport technology.
The award was presented at the FIA Awards Gala, the annual season-closing ceremony organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
This is MRF Tyres’ third ERC Teams Championship title, after earlier victories in 2022 and 2023, with the latest win coming in 2025.
The ERC Teams Title is awarded based on consistent performance across multiple rally events held in diverse and challenging European terrains, where tyre grip, durability, and adaptability are critical.
20) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
John Cena, one of the greatest WWE superstars, officially retired from in-ring competition in December 2025, ending a 20-year WWE career.
His final match was held at Night’s Main Event.
Detailed Explanation:
John Cena, one of the greatest WWE superstars, officially retired from in-ring competition in December 2025, ending a 20-year WWE career.
His final match was held at Night’s Main Event.
Cena faced Gunther, the World Heavyweight Champion, and lost via submission (tap-out), marking the first tap-out defeat in his WWE career.
During the match, Cena performed his signature Attitude Adjustment (AA), sleeper hold, and top-rope maneuvers.
A ceremonial passing of the torch took place, with Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and other wrestlers presenting championship belts to Cena.
21) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
SPARSH (System for Pension Administration – Raksha) is India’s first end-to-end digital pension platform, launched under the Digital India initiative to ensure the Right Pension to the Right Pensioner at the Right Time.
SPARSH is administered by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) through PCDA (Pensions), Prayagraj.
Detailed Explanation:
SPARSH (System for Pension Administration – Raksha) is India’s first end-to-end digital pension platform, launched under the Digital India initiative to ensure the Right Pension to the Right Pensioner at the Right Time.
SPARSH is administered by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) through PCDA (Pensions), Prayagraj.
The platform replaced a fragmented pension system managed by over 45,000 agencies with a unified, transparent, and accountable digital framework.
As of November 2025, 31.69 lakh defence pensioners across India and Nepal have been onboarded on the SPARSH portal, making it the largest unified pension system in India.
94.3% of legacy discrepant cases were resolved, with 6.07 lakh out of 6.43 lakh cases normalised without affecting pensioners’ entitlements.
22) Answer: E
Veteran Indian National Congress (INC) leader ShamanurShivashankarappa passed away at the age of 94 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
He was born on 16 June 1931 in Davanagere, Kingdom of Mysore, Karnataka.
23) Answer: D
As per the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), DAD achieved a 73% satisfaction score, ranking 5th among Ministries/Departments.
Under the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) 4.0 Campaign (1–30 November 2025), 20.94 lakh DLCs were generated for defence pensioners, the highest among all departments.
24) Answer: A
At the apex of the new structure will be the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA), a 12-member umbrella commission serving as the highest authority for higher education regulation.
The VBSA will include representatives from the Ministry of Education, State higher education institutions, and eminent academic and policy experts.
Under VBSA, three specialised councils (each with up to 14 members) will function:
Viksit Bharat Viniyaman Parishad (Regulatory Council) for regulatory oversight, governance compliance, and coordination across institutions.
Viksit Bharat Gunvatta Parishad (Accreditation Council) for institutional and programme-level accreditation and building a credible quality assurance ecosystem.
Viksit Bharat Manak Parishad (Standards Council) for setting academic and curricular standards and ensuring nationwide harmonisation of benchmarks.
25) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Microsoft, the Government of Maharashtra, and the state’s dedicated AI law enforcement agency MARVEL (Maharashtra Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement).
MARVEL, established in 2024, is a government-owned AI initiative aimed at modernising policing by improving crime prediction, intelligence gathering, and investigation methods. Maharashtra became the first Indian state to set up an independent AI body exclusively for law enforcement.
Detailed Explanation:
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced the statewide rollout of MahaCrimeOS AI for the Maharashtra Police marking a historic step in technology-driven law enforcement.
The AI-based crime-solving platform will be implemented across all 1,100 police stations in Maharashtra, making it one of the largest AI deployments in policing in India.
The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Microsoft, the Government of Maharashtra, and the state’s dedicated AI law enforcement agency MARVEL (Maharashtra Research and Vigilance for Enhanced Law Enforcement).
MARVEL, established in 2024, is a government-owned AI initiative aimed at modernising policing by improving crime prediction, intelligence gathering, and investigation methods. Maharashtra became the first Indian state to set up an independent AI body exclusively for law enforcement.
This post was last modified on December 18, 2025 3:35 pm